This Country Was Just Named the World’s Best for Budget Island-Hopping

Travel + Leisure recently shared a study from Island Hopping that revealed the best archipelago for affordable island hopping. The tour company analyzed a variety of factors involving island destinations, including ferry costs and access to inexpensive meals and attractions, to determine which of the world’s archipelagos were the most travel-friendly. 

The tropical nation that came out on top? Indonesia. 

With over 6,000 inhabited islands, Indonesia was ranked the best in the world for island-hopping travel. Getting around by ferry is cheap, with the country offering the least expensive ferry fares (averaging just under $10) and affordable meals ($16.38 for two on average). Plus, visitors have over 45,000 tours and attractions to choose from, ensuring plenty to do for every interest.

If you love sailing, snorkeling, diving, or other water sports, and breathtaking tropical scenery, it’s hard to beat Indonesia. Each region offers its own unique experience and character. It’s not surprising that the country saw nearly 14 million international visitors in 2024, revealing that many travelers are willing to fly thousands of miles for an island-hopping trip that’s unlike anywhere else. 

But with so many islands to choose from, where should you go? We’ve highlighted some of them, including the tiny Gili islands just off Lombok: Gili Air, Gili Meno, and Gili Trawangan, as well as the Nusa Islands, Lembongan, Ceningan, and Penida which are all easily accessible via a short boat ride from Bali. 

There are plenty of others to consider for your island-hopping escape if you want to go more remote.

The Raja Ampat Islands lie off the northwest tip of Papua. Made up of over 1,500 karst islands that rise from stunningly clear aquamarine waters, this is a remote snorkeling and diving paradise. The unparalleled marine biodiversity includes reef sharks, pygmy sea horses, manta rays, sea turtles, and hundreds of different fish species, from angelfish, parrotfish, and bumphead parrotfish to jacks and snappers.

Within this region, the Wayag Islands are often called the jewel of Raja Ampat, with hidden beaches and remote lagoons. Misool is renowned for its underwater life with beautiful coral reefs and hundreds of fish species. The Fam Islands are home to popular diving and snorkeling spots like the Fam Wall and Melissa’s Garden.

In Central Sulawesi, the Banggai Islands are an under-the-radar destination with small islands and calm turquoise lagoons. Some of the highlights include Peleng Island with its stunning Paisupok Lake, Nai Island, and Pulau Tiga, a cluster of three islets inhabited by the Bajau people. The Bajau people are known as “Sea Nomads,” with exceptional freediving skills and a maritime-focused lifestyle, residing in houseboats and stilt villages.